ESPN’s Eric Woodyard, who covers the Lions beat, predicted that Detroit will take Tennessee edge rusher James Pearce Jr. with the 28th pick. It’s a surprising move that’s turning heads — and stirring debate.

James Pearce Jr.: Boom-or-Bust Potential

There’s no doubt about Pearce’s on-field ability. He’s a back-to-back first-team All-SEC selection, known for his explosive first step, natural bend around the edge, and relentless effort. His college resume includes 19.5 sacks and a reputation for making life miserable for opposing quarterbacks.

Some have even dared to compare his style of play to that of Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor.

But there’s a caveat.

Off-the-Field Red Flags

Pearce’s draft stock has been clouded by concerns over his maturity and coachability. Reports indicate that some NFL teams have been wary of his attitude and have marked him as a risk during the scouting process. Despite his top-tier talent, these concerns could cause him to fall further than expected on draft day.

Why Detroit Might Take the Chance

The Lions, however, might be the ideal team to roll the dice.

With a team culture known for grit, structure, and strong leadership — thanks to head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes — Detroit may be uniquely equipped to support a player like Pearce. They’ve built a locker room that emphasizes discipline and camaraderie.

From a roster standpoint, the move also makes sense. Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is expected to return from a season-ending injury, and with Marcus Davenport only under contract for one more year, Detroit could use an additional force off the edge.

Should Pearce develop as hoped, the Lions could possess one of the most formidable pass-rushing tandems in the league.

High Reward, High Risk

Woodyard clearly sees the upside. In his draft analysis, he wrote:

“The Lions address a crucial defensive need with a dynamic edge rusher. Pearce, who patterns his game after Lawrence Taylor, was twice named first-team All-SEC and could bring serious pressure opposite Aidan Hutchinson, who’s set to return after missing time with an injury.”

Still, this selection would be a major bet — not just on Pearce’s talent, but on Detroit’s ability to nurture and guide him.

Final Thoughts

Under Brad Holmes, the Lions have built a reputation for smart, impactful drafting — hitting on players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Brian Branch, and Penei Sewell.

But selecting James Pearce Jr. would be a different kind of pick. It’s not the safe route — it’s a high-risk, high-reward move.

If Pearce locks in and thrives under Detroit’s system, their defense could jump to the next level. But if the gamble fails, the Lions might find themselves scrambling for answers at a critical position